No – this post isn’t about what plonk is appropriate for breakfast. There is only one wine suitable for that meal – champagne. Rather, after a late breakfast at the Ball Square Cafe – recommended by Chef Morgan from the Sunday Night Supper Club - I came upon Ball Square Fine Wines and Liquors. When I had lived in Somerville, the store had been a somewhat hole-in-the-wall packy – now, having taken over the space next door, it was twice its former size. I wandered in and was greeted by wall-to-wall wine, a multitude of craft beers, a small but thoughtfully selected offering of spirits and a case filled with a solid selection of American and international cheeses. The packy had been transformed. I knew this would be a good Patrol.As I began my shopping, I was fortunate to meet Rebecca Rethore, Director, Business Development/Wine Associate of the shop. She gave me a tour and various recommendations. Usually when I’m on patrol, I rely on my own knowledge and instincts; in this case, I had a knowledgeable guide. Her assistance was invaluable and I came away with a strong selection of summer plonk – 3 whites, 2 roses and one red. My thanks to Rebecca.
- Claar Cellars Sauvignon Blanc WA 2008 $13.99. From a small, family owned winery in The Columbia River Valley, a refreshing white. In the nose, lime, gooseberry and grass; a certain smoothness and weight on the palate, followed by a good acidic finish with some astringency. A bit of residual sugar highlights the fruit, while the acidity prevents the wine from being cloying.
- Pares Balta Blanc de Pacs Penedes 2009 $11.99. A still, organic wine made from the grapes used to produce cava – Parallada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo. The winery is owned by 2 brothers; their wives are the winemakers. In the nose, citrus, grass, white pepper, anise; smooth on the palate, finishing with good acidity.
- Domaine Felines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc 2009 $10.99. A simple white from the Languedoc made with the indigenous Picpoul grape. In the nose, apple and lemon, sweet herbs; on the palate, the fruit is followed by a strong, but not overpowering, acidic finish.
- Domaine les Grand Bois Cuvee les Trois Soueurs Cotes du Rhone 2009 $13.99. The cuvee - 65% Grenache, 25% Carignan and 10% Cinsault – is fermented in French and American oak. (At least that’s what the website says.) I found this rose – a pale salmon – to be wonderfully dry and nicely balanced - strawberries and herbs, a bit of spice; good acidity.
- ZAZA Garnacha Rose Campo de Borja 2009 $8.99. This is the rose Rebecca recommends to her friends who insist that they don’t/won’t like roses. I got a little nervous when I opened the bottle – it smelled as if I had just unwrapped a piece of Double Bubble. However, that aroma quickly dissipated. A deep raspberry color; on the nose, very ripe red berries, roses, sweet herbs and spice;on the palate, the concentrated fruit followed by good acidity. Since the wine is vinified on its lees, it has some weight.
- And the lone red – Chateau Bellevue La Foret Fronton 2006 $11.99. A blend of 50% Negrette, 35% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, the winery calls this wine its “classic red”. In the nose, black fruits, earthiness, underbrush – a bit rustic; on the palate, a good dose of minerality finishing with mild tannins. Good for the grill.
My total – before tax – was $70.84, which included my discount.Yes – Ball Square has a wine club and offers discounts to members, a good way to beat that pesky sales tax. I was pleased with this Patrol – with Rebecca’s assistance, I’d made a good selection of value-priced summer wines.
